Sandspruit Trail

Ullman Recreation Centre to Katherine Street, Sandton (return)

The Sandspruit flows north from its source in the area around the Wilds in Houghton. The banks of the spruit have been more highly developed than those of the Braamfontein spruit and therefore it is less practical to walk it as a whole. However there are sections of the spruit that are worth exploring and one of those is the section from Ullman Recreation centre to Katherine Street in Sandton. Ullman park and recreation centre is reached via Bowling Avenue and then into Alma Road. Safe parking is available at the centre.

         
 

Ullman Park is a beautiful setting for a recreation centre. The centre is home to many diverse educational and recreational activities

  
 
         
 
 

The walk to Katherine Street is about 3km each way and should take about 2-3 hours to complete.

  
         
 

Along the path you will come across many weirs and rock cascades.

  
 
         
 
 

The river is very picturesque in several places and although the signs of urban life are ever present it is still a worthwhile excursion to walk along the river banks.

  
         
 

Once Katherine street is reached it is possible to cross the bridge and walk along the opposite banks for a little way. Alternatively the entrance to Innesfree Park is a little way up the road to the left.

  
 
         
 
 

Conclusion

This is a pleasant afternoons stroll. When I walked it there needed a lot of cleaning up of litter to be done, despite the fact that a major cleanup of the spruit had been done recently. Despite signs that had been erected by City Parks to warn against dumping, these have had little effect. A lot of household rubbish could be seen and this must be assumed came from residents of the area, while other rubbish along the banks had obviously been swept down from the stormwater drains of central Johannesburg when the river was in flood. The waters from the spruit join with the Jukskei which eventually finds its way into Hartebeespoort Dam and then, after purification, into our taps as drinking water. Make you think, doesn't it!

See also our page on the trail from Kelvin Drive to 12th Avenue www.footprint.co.za/sandspruit_kelvin.htm

Judith Taylor and Rick Raubenheimer run organized walks along the spruit each Sunday morning. Please contact them for more info 011 802 2685

e-mail Judith@softwareafrica.co.za

www.megaplex.co.za/sandspruit.htm

 

Security

The walk takes place in a public open space area and security must be taken into account while walking it. Some basic measures should be taken. Do not walk alone and try to walk in groups of 4-5 (a largish dog is a good companion as well). Leave all valuables at home. Be always vigilant and bring your attention to security guards that are often to be found along the spruit. While Joburg City parks do all they can to prevent crime, the onus is on the individual to make sure of there own safety.

Contacts

Johannesburg City Parks

Under whose jurisdiction the trail falls

Head office 011 712 6600

Event management

+27 (0) 11 712 6664

Dee Daniel (phone office hours) + 27(0) 11 712 6604 Fax +27 (0) 11 712 6764

 

Footprint hiking club

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